Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend | OneFootball

Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend, featuring a defining run for Spurs, Manchester United being dragged into a dogfight, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future.

Fixture list offer no sympathy to Postecoglou pressure

After a brilliant start to his reign at Tottenham, the wheels have fallen off for Ange Postecoglou. Having narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification last season, a decimated squad has struggled for results during the current campaign.

Spurs are 11th in the table and mathematically closer to the relegation places than the top four. It’s just three wins from their last 13 games for Spurs, a run that has piled the pressure on the Australian.

The club’s fixture list as we head into the new year offers little sympathy. An in-form Newcastle side arrive in North London this weekend, before clashes with Liverpool (Carabao Cup semi-final), Tamworth (FA Cup) and Arsenal. Criticised for a failure to adapt to the absentees in his squad, Postecoglou’s position could be in real jeopardy if performances do not improve. It’s a run of games that could reignite their fortunes – or force the board into a decision.

Wasteful Cherries must sharpen up against Everton

Bournemouth have been one of the most watchable teams in the league this season, with Andoni Iraola’s side full of intensity and adventure. The Cherries are fourth for xG created in the Premier League this season, while only two teams had more shots in 2024 (601).

Everton are the visitors to the Vitality Stadium this weekend and will offer a test of Bournemouth’s ability to break down a stubborn defence. Despite defeat to Nottingham Forest last time out, Everton have frustrated Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City over the festive period.

Bournemouth, for all their plaudits, have been one of the most wasteful sides in the league. Only Southampton (-11.91) have underperformed their xG to a greater extent than the Cherries, who have scored 29 times from an expected figure of 39.40. Iraola’s outfit can not afford to squander such opportunities against an Everton side who will defend in numbers.

Maresca seeks to stop slide as Chelsea cling on to top-four place

Enzo Maresca’s refusal to get caught up in title talk has proven right, with Chelsea stumbling over the festive period. His inexperienced side failed to win in three games, while defeats to Fulham and Ipswich Town dented confidence.

Maresca takes his team to Crystal Palace this weekend, looking to solve their slump. Recent results have seen Chelsea drop to fourth and their Champions League hopes are in jeopardy with an in-form Newcastle and Manchester City in the rear-view mirror.

Another defeat at Palace, who have lost just once in eight games, could see Chelsea drop out of the top four if Newcastle beat Tottenham with the required swing in goal difference.

Can Arsenal put the pressure on?

Arsenal are unbeaten in 12 games and back-to-back league wins over the festive period saw the Gunners climb to second. Mikel Arteta’s team are Liverpool’s closest challengers but have significant ground to make up on the leaders.

The North Londoners travel to Brighton this weekend and can reduce the gap to three points with a win. Liverpool are in action against Manchester United the following day, allowing Arsenal to put some pressure on the Reds. Arne Slot’s side would still have the chance to extend their lead back to nine points with two games in hand, though Arsenal will hope a little bit of pressure can lead to an unforeseen wobble from the table toppers.

Delap will be on Thomas Tuchel’s radar

Thomas Tuchel’s reign as England manager has officially begun with the German formulating plans for his first camp in March. A new era brings the promise of change and Liam Delap is among the names looking to force a route in.

Having been allowed to leave Manchester City in the summer, the forward has hit the ground running at Ipswich Town. He has seven goals in 18 league appearances, with no player aged 21 or under having netted more in the Premier League.

It’s been an impressive first campaign at his level for Delap, who has shone in a struggling side. He was outstanding in the 2-0 win over Chelsea last month, scoring one and creating another while bullying the Blues backline at Portman Road. It’s early days, but Delap has hinted he could be the long-term heir to Harry Kane if his development continues on this trajectory.

Alexander-Arnold an unwanted distraction for leaders

Liverpool’s season could hardly be going better. Leaders in the Premier League title race and Champions League standings, Arne Slot’s start has exceeded even the most optimistic of expectations. However, the background noise at Anfield is an unwanted distraction. Arguably Liverpool’s three most important players are all out of contract in the summer with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold approaching free agency.

While there’s optimism the former duo will sign new terms, it’s looking increasingly likely from the outside that Alexander-Arnold could move on. Real Madrid are pushing to sign the 26-year-old and have enquired into the prospect of a January deal. A mid-season move makes little sense for either Alexander-Arnold or Liverpool, though it’s a distraction the league leaders could do without. If this is to be Alexander-Arnold’s final season with the Reds, he will not want his future to derail it.

Could Manchester United really be in a relegation battle?

Ruben Amorim was candid in his assessment of Manchester United after the club crashed to a fourth consecutive defeat against Newcastle on December 30.

“That is really clear [United are being dragged into a relegation battle] so we have to fight,” Amorim told Sky Sports. “It is a really difficult moment, one of the more difficult moments in the history of Manchester United and we have to address it with honesty.”

United are just seven points above the drop zone and their run of results has sparked genuine fears over their top-flight status. The Red Devils have not been relegated for 50 years, but with a trip to Liverpool next – the scene of some harrowing losses in recent years – Amorim’s side could be pushed closer to the bottom three this weekend. It’s unimaginable for a club of this size and resources to be in a dogfight, but performances of late have increased concern. With limited funds available in January, Amorim needs his current squad to show signs of life.

Nuno makes Wolves return with stock soaring again

When Wolves parted with Nuno Espirito Santo in 2021, there was a sense his reign had gone stale. Since his exit, Nuno struggled at Spurs before success in Saudi Arabia preceded his return to the Midlands with Nottingham Forest. He’s transformed the Tricky Trees from relegation favourites to European hopefuls and returns to Molineux with his stock at an all-time high. Having led Wolves from the second tier to Europe, he’s hoping for another crack at continental competition with Forest.

Wolves, in comparison, have had four managers since Nuno’s exit in a period of instability. Vitor Pereira’s impressive start offers hope that Wolves have finally found a long-term leader.

Read – Five Premier League players who need a move in the January transfer window

See more – Five of the best young centre-backs in the Premier League

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